The modern man has started to rely more and more on computers and laptops, and considering that we have witnessed so many technological advances in the past few decades, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. But what happens when even the most loyal of partners fails you? It is easy to assume that your PC will work perfectly forever, but reality is often different. The best solution would be to hop into a time machine, and avert the crisis before it happens. Sadly, technology hasn’t come that far, yet.

If you’ve accidentally deleted your files, misplaced them, or encountered a bug, there is no need to panic. According to specialists, your files might still be there, somewhere, even after you have cleared the recycle bin. The most important thing is to act quickly in order to remedy the problem. If you don’t know how to salvage your data it is advisable to minimize the device, and search for a solution elsewhere. If you are in the situation of a disaster recovery, you will probably need the help of an expert.

Having emergency data recovery tools in handy is essential, especially if your hard-drive is storing your entire work. I will tell you from the start that there is no need to pay for this “magic” trick. Without further ado here are five, free data recovery tools that will most likely save your life.

1. PhotoRec

PhotoRec has pulled me out of many desperate situations. It may not be the best-looking recovery tool available, but it is without a doubt the most powerful one. It has little to no restrictions, and it is completely free. Another great thing about it is the fact that it works on nearly any operating system, including Windows, Linux, OS x and DOS. Nevertheless, its most important feature is the fact that it can restore 200 types of file formats, and the bundled TestDisk can even recover an entire partition. Do not be intimidated by its appearance, because the steps are clearly laid down and easy to follow.

2. Paragon Rescue Kit

Sometimes we manage to trash our computers so bad that they will stop booting all-together. Do not fret, because where most tools fail, Paragon Rescue Kit delivers. In order to use this tool you will have to burn it on a CD, and insert it when you turn the PC on. It doesn’t matter how badly you have damaged your computer, because this amazing boot corrector can recover an entire partition, fix booting problems and transfer files to another drive or storing device. I think I’m gonna burn a copy just in case.

3. Recuva

Recuva is a nifty tool to have in your toolkit in case disaster strikes. This extremely efficient, user-friendly recovery software can resurrect any missing file with the help of the file-recovery wizard. In most cases, people delete files without knowing where exactly they went, and the file-recovery wizard will help you narrow down your search with the help of certain parameters. In the case that you are one of the enlightened who know exactly what has happened, you can make use of the manual mode.

4. Avira UnErase

If your grandma somehow decided to use the computer to look for cookie recipes and accidentally managed to delete your files, there is a way to help her recover them, with just one click. Avira UnErase has to be the easiest recovery tool I have ever laid eyes upon. All you have to do is to install it, and you will be able to look at every deleted file on the drive. If you find something you wish to resurrect, all you have to do is click. According to the specifications the tool is compatible with Windows systems.

5. Puran File Recovery

What you should know about deleted files is that they can be recovered as long as data isn’t written over it. In other words, if your computer is full of information, it will write over the deleted data, and chances are that you will never be able to undelete it. Puran is a powerful recovery tools, which has a lot of advanced options that you might need. Puran will probably provide you with the most identified files, so make sure you check with it if you haven’t found what you are looking for with other tools.

More often than not I have found myself in the situation of losing vital data. Most people live by the thought that accidents will not happen to them, but trust me, they do. Take 10 minutes out of a day to install a recovery program, and spare yourself from future head-aches.

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Anna Robeson is a passionate writer who also consults with a full service digital agency. She is interested in all things tech and SEO. She also advises people to protect their data from unwanted accidents.